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what to pay/do in return...
For about two months, I have been living with one of my friends (and her hubby and baby) in their home in Burleson. I was desperate to get somewhere, so they immediately let me stay there upon no notice (I literally called with my luggage in the car already), and said I could stay for however long I needed. The first week I was there, when I was trying to wrap my head around if I would be staying there and what the hell was going on with my life. Not knowing when I would leave, I immediately gave her $50 at the end of that week...just for whatever; it was all I had.
I told them I would be out by the end of August, and to be assured I would pay them some money for "rent" or whatever. She told me not to worry about it right now, and that she just wanted to help. Well, there is no way Im not going to do something. I'd rather not be flamed as to why I havent had extra money since I havent had a rent payment...it is what it is, and alot has gone on that has cost me way to much; trust me Im not happy about it. My intention was to pay them something every two weeks, but due to some major issues (medical and related to the split with DH), I have had NO spare change. Things have settled down a bit, and I do anticipate having enough money when I move out at the end of this month to be able to pay them though. I have asked her what she would like me to pay, but she just keeps saying not to worry, etc etc.
Since she inists I not pay, and won't even talk about a figure, what would you pay? I'm obviously going to do this, but I don't know how much.
I've had my things in the extra bedroom, and like I said its been about two months. I am gone on most weekends for 3-4 days. I dont really eat there, or use the kitchen or anything, and we all share a bathroom...I dont think any of this matters, but Im throwing it out there in case someone asks.
Thanks for any thoughts!
Re: what to pay/do in return...
I think it really depends on what you can afford to give her, and it's probably more of the thought that counts than the monetary value. Maybe since she won't take money, you could get her a months worth of Dinner Station meals or something. I lived with my MIL (without DH) for a couple of months before I moved down here, and it was a similar situation to you as far as, I didn't eat many meals there and I wasn't around all that much. I knew there is no way she would take money from me and if I tried to give it to her, she would just sneak it back in my purse. I ended up giving her a nice card and a month's worth of freezer meals from a place like Dinner Station in OK and she really appreciated it. I also helped out where ever I could around the house with dishes, cooking, etc. There wasn't much cleaning to do because she had a maid come by weekly, but I tried to keep things picked up for them. Maybe you could hire a maid service to come do a deep cleaning for your friend if she doesn't already have one?
Sounds like you have some good friends!
Yeah I have done other things...I keep the bathroom clean, and we take turns buying things like toilet tissue, paper towels, hand soap, etc. Sometimes when I come home late, they are in bed, and if the kitchen has been left a mess, I'll clean that up. Ive done some of their laundry, and even watched the baby while they do this and that around town.
I like the meal idea...I thought about a giftcard to the grocery store too. They have a 15 mo old, and she just found out she is pg! I'm sure she will appreciate anything.
You have some wonderful friends!
I like the grocery idea and the dinner station ideas both are something that she would enjoy
I really like the maid service gc idea. Although maybe instead of a deep clean a month or so worth or services, she might like that after the new baby comes! I'm sure you have probably thought of this too, but a nice note letting her know how much you appreciate her family's generousity and her friendship. I know what I get notes from friends I keep those and they always mean more than anything they could buy.